The Luna Choosing Game by Jane Above Story

My gaze was fixed to the television screen as I tried to soak in every possible detail of my ex-boyfriend.

In the three years since I’d seen him last, Nicholas had matured, filling out his previously lanky teenage figure. Skinny arms had widened with muscle. His broad torso tapered into a narrow waist.

He’d lost the boyish width to his face. His cheekbones had always been high, but now his jawline was sharp enough to cut glass.

He had been handsome when we’d dated.

But looking at him now, at the man he became..

He was jaw-droppingly gorgeous.

And apparently… a prince?

I’d known he was nobility, but I had no idea he was that high in the royal succession.

“Turn it up,” I said.

Anna increased the volume, until we could hear the newscaster’s voice.

“With the borders unstable and the economy in decline, the public has expressed fear for both their future and the future of the dwindling next generation. Through this choosing game, the royal family hopes to inspire the public…”

“It’s a good distraction,” I said. Everyone I’d encountered today had been talking about it, instead of their usual woes and worries. “

Anna said. “I’m inspired.” When I gave her a disbelieving look, she shrugged. “It shows the royal family is actually trying, instead of sitting up in their high towers, ignoring us. That gives me hope.”

The voice on the television continued, “In addition to providing entertainment and comfort to the everyday populace, the selection offers a unique opportunity for the princes, who have yet to find their mates. As per law, a prince needs a partner to inherit the throne.”

Logically, upon seeing Nicholas in the lineup for the selection, I knew he didn’t have a mate, yet still my brain struggled to make sense of it.

When we’d dated, Nicholas had been kind and generous, talented, handsome. How could someone like that have failed to find their match?

“Can you believe this?” Anna asked me. “They are all so handsome!”

on a loop. This time, I was able to see more than just Nicholas.

Julian?

had both been classmates of mine at the Royal Academy, but they

aged 18 to 22

ended, and another story began. Anna lowered

the cushion so that she could

my head. “I’m a single mother, Anna. I don’t think that

sister’s baby, not yours. How long are you going to let yourself

“Elva isn’t a burden.”

be stuck here as a waitress in a dead-end job with a handsy boss. You deserve more. You don’t

in the whole world. I had no intention of leaving her behind so that I could blindly chase a

you?” I deflected.

apply.” She shrugged. “Come on, Piper. There’s no harm in applying. You should submit the form. I’ll look after Elva if you’re selected. Plus, you won’t have

and

To be offered the chance to see him again sent my heart racing. But that was

Nicholas and I had ended a

get chosen. And even if I am, I would never leave Elva for anything, not even to become

I were you, I’d never pass up

could reply, the news displayed the princes’ video again. Anna immediately unmuted

process will be screened during the royal consort ceremony. We remind our

“Wow,” Anna gasped.

from thousands of applicants. The process is expected

be watching alright,” Anna

intention of watching, myself. Nicholas was

for his affections. The thought of seeing him fall in love in

I said, pushing

I cried, voice breaking in

you? Save me. Please!

said a cruel voice in my ear.

No!

bed. Sweat clung to my brow. My

alive.

recognized my bedroom. I recognized